
GROUP MEMBERS
Postdoctoral Researchers

Dr. Mohan Muppidi, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Sep-2023 to till date)
Email: gnb37@txstate.edu
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Education & Experience:
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow: University of Texas at San Antonio.
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Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, India.
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Master of Science (M. Sc): Organic Chemistry from Andhra University, Andhra Pradesh, India

Postdoctoral Research Associate(May-2024 to till date)
Email: gka33@txstate.edu
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Education & Experience:
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Research Scientist: Sharp Mint Limited, Delhi, India
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PhD in Organic Electronics Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, India
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Master of Science (M.Sc.): Organic Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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PhD Students

Maurico Jemal - MSEC PhD Student
Email: maujemal@txstate.edu

Malay Das​​
Email: mk.das@txstate.edu
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​​My Research project is focused on study of non-canonical nucleic acid structures and ligands. I have explored what sequences and what environmental conditions favor the formation of these non-canonical structures. I have also explored the design of improved DNAzymes for biosensing and therapeutic applications, leveraging the unique properties of G-triplex DNA.
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Md Shamsul Alam- MSEC PhD Student
Email: shamsul@txstate.edu
Md Shamsul Alam is a dedicated PhD student exploring innovative methods for synthesizing complex, multicyclic heterocyclic scaffolds.

Michell Myhre – IMBC PhD Student
Email: mwm95@txstate.edu
MS Students

Tionna Scott - Biochemistry MS Bridge Scholar
Email: tss76@txstate.edu
Currently pursuing a master’s in biochemistry and working on the computational study of N-alkynlazole mediated amide bond formation. Previously through an NSF REU, I worked on the study of the KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel at Miami University.

Chandana Davuluri- Chemistry MS Student
Email: ugg16@txstate.edu
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Currently pursuing a master’s in chemistry and working as a Graduate Instructional Assistant.". Previously worked as a Research Trainee at Eisai Pharmaceuticals and Hetero Drugs Limited, focusing on pharmaceutical research.

Hailey Dudley-Biochemistry MS Student
Email: hkd14@txstate.edu

Josue Gold -Biochemistry MS Student
Email: j_g269@txstate.edu
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I am a first-year graduate student in Dr. Kerwin’s lab, and I will be studying DNA G-quadruplexes and G-triplexes. The main goal of our project is to find novel ligands for these non-canonical nucleic acid structures. I have experience working in retail and hospital pharmacies and as a secondary teacher.
Undergraduate Students

Breton Guggina- Chemistry
Email: ylt7@txstate.edu

Tegan Dagley - Biochemistry
Email: hgq14@txstate.edu
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I am an undergraduate student at Texas State studying Biochemistry. I am currently working on the N-alknynylazole synthesis project in the Kerwin lab.

​Lucas Ferguson - Biochemistry (URISE Scholar)
Email: lxm11@txstate.edu
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I am an undergraduate student studying Biochemistry at Texas State URISE scholar, and I am pursuing undergraduate research to prepare me for graduate school.
Mackenzie Huffman - Chemistry
Email: fah34@txstate.edu

Will Campbell - Biochemistry
Email: ebk26@txstate.edu
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I am currently a sophomore pursuing a B.S in Biochemistry. My research interest is on cancer stem cells and novel ligands that can attack their unique cellular and oncogenetic makeup.
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Nikki Ziaei - Microbiology
Email: yzj11@txstate.edu
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I am a sophomore dual majoring in biochemistry and microbiology.

Connor Rocha
Email: tiw21@txstate.edu
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I am Biochemistry student at Texas State University, aspiring to pursue graduate studies.
Technical staff

Adrian Fernandez
Email: Alf144@txstate.edu
M.S. Biochemistry graduate specializing in the synthesis and characterization of novel poly-ether rylene dyes, with a focus on their unique thermodynamic, supramolecular, and photophysical properties, analyzed through advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.
SMK Group Alumni
Postdoctoral Researchers:
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Dr. Pete Theisen
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Dr. Ramesh Dasari
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Dr. Christophe Laroche
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Dr. Wen Tai Li
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Dr. Subrata Mandel
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Dr. Xin Lin
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Dr. Hansong Chen
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Dr. Isil Dilek
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Dr. Aibin Zhang
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Dr. Dalip Kumar
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Dr. K.S. Ravikumar
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Dr. Huafeng (Bill) Shen
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Dr. Blain Mamiya
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Dr. Elvira Reisgo
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Dr. Shachita Sarker
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Dr. Anthony Watson
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Dr. Mark DeLuca
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Dr. Pei Wang Thomas
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Dr. Devinder Kumar
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Dr. Ali Mohammad
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Dr. Arti Pothukuchy
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Dr. Swapna Moharana
PhD Students:
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Dominic McBayer
(Biochemistry 2015)
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Brandon Reinus
(Chemistry 2019)
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Michelle Schoonover
(Biochemistry 2012)
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Jing (Jeannie) Li
(Medicinal Chemistry 2011)​
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Wendy Marriner
(Chemistry 2009)
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Mireya McKee
(Biochemistry 2007)​
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Bodin Tuesuwan
(Medicinal Chemistry 2007)
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Asha Nadipuram
(Medicinal Chemistry 2005)
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Liping Feng
(Medicinal Chemistry 2005)​
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Jonathan Kern
(Biochemistry 2002)
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Wendi David
(Medicinal Chemistry 2000)​
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Mark McPhee
(Medicinal Chemistry 1999)
Masters Students:
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Adrain Fernandez
​ (Chemistry 2024)​
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Mitchell Myhre​
(Bio chemistry 2023)
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Elizabeth Williams​
(Bio chemistry 2023)
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Marc Rodriguez
(Bio chemistry 2022)​
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Jennifer Navarro
(Chemistry 2022)​
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Blanca Esteve
(Chemistry 2021)
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Ashley Jewett
(Chemical Biology and medicinal chemistry 2019)​
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Mauricio Jemal​
(Bio chemistry 2020)
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Chelsea Davis​
(Bio chemistry 2020)
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Brandie Taylor​
(Bio chemistry 2020)
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Amanda Bohanon​
(Bio chemistry 2019)
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Kimberly Long
(Biochemistry 2018)
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Harrison Bracey
(Biochemistry 2018)
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Olaf Bjornstal
(Medicinal Chemistry 2017)
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Brad Gilbreath
(Medicinal Chemistry 2014)​
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Brian Kanz
(Medicinal Chemistry 2014)​
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Michael Reynolds
(Medicinal Chemistry 1999)
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Undergraduate Students (since 2015):
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Chanoddom Mondole
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2022)
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Daniela Cardus
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2022)​
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Daniella Gonzalez
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2022)
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Nicholas Lontkowski
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2022)
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Jacobo Garza
(BS Microbiology 2022)
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Ryan Conner
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2022)
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Lukas Miller
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2022)
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Jake Hermanson
(SURE Scholar and Biochemistry senior thesis 2021)
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Bridget Arellano
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2021)
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Aryo Leal
(BS Chemistry, 2020)
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Austin Vela
(BS Chemistry, 2021)
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Alyssa Chavez
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2021)
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Keegan Bailey
(BS Chemistry 2021)
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Pedro Rodriguez
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2021)
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Anthony Saucedo
(Chemistry BS Student, 2020)
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Isabel Reyes
(Biochemistry senior thesis, 2020)
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Ethan Shotten
(Biochemistry senior thesis, 2020)
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R. Max Petty
(Biochemistry senior thesis, 2020)
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Jessica Parker
(Biochemistry senior thesis, 2020)
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Elizabeth Williams
(Biochemistry senior thesis, 2020)
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Anthony Saucedo
(BS Chemistry, 2020)
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Bisola Kayode-Williams
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2019)​
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Sawyer Penner
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2019)
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Hector Bandera
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2019)
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Tanner Stokmans
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2019)
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Zachary Schwartz
(BS Chemistry 2019)
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Shaye Drummond
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2018)
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Kelsey Sturm
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2018)
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Steven Ermel II
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2018)
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Joshua Bondoc
(Honors Thesis 2018)
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Ruby Escobedo
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2019)
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Brandon Corona
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2017)
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Cullen Nisson
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2017)
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Lydia Dollison
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2017)
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Daniel Newton
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2016)
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Talylor DeForge
(Biochemistry undergrad 2016)
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Sean Gilbert
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2016)
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Christopher Sacco
(Biochemistry senior thesis 2016)
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Rashad Barker
(CheMIE REU student 2019)
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Makayla Medrano
(CheMIE REU student 2018)​
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Edgar De Luna
(CheMIE REU student 2022)​
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Spencer Smith ​
(CheMIE REU student 2023)​
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Gabriel Martinez ​
(CheMIE REU student 2024)​
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Penelope Carlin​
(Galvin Scholars student 2024)